2019
New 2021
Used 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000

Honda Civic Change Vehicle

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The Honda Civic is back -- recapturing its position as a mature, substantial compact car with enough elegant touches that it makes you feel like you spent more money than you had to. The base 2.0-liter engine is smooth, with reasonable oomph, provided you're not in a real hurry.
Alerts
There is 1 recall on this vehicle. Learn More.
2019
New 2021
Used 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000

Honda Civic

Reliability
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Owner Satisfaction
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Crash and Rollover Tests
IIHS Front Moderate Overlap Good
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver Good
IIHS Side Crash Good
NHTSA Frontal-Crash, Driver
NHTSA Frontal-Crash, Passenger
See All

Road Test Results

Performance
Acceleration Acceleration Acceleration tests are conducted on a smooth, flat pavement straightaway at the track. Time, speed, and distance measurements are taken with a precise GPS-based device that’s hooked to a data-logging computer.
0 to 60 mph 0 to 60 mph (sec.) The time in seconds that a vehicle takes to reach 60 mph from a standstill with the engine idling.
Transmission Transmission Transmission performance is determined by shifting smoothness, response, shifter action, and clutch actuation for manual transmissions.
Fuel Economy Fuel Economy We perform our own fuel-economy tests, independent of the government's often-quoted EPA figures and the manufacturers' claims. Using a precise fuel-flow measuring device spliced into the fuel line, we run two separate circuits to represent city and highway consumption.
CR's Overall Mileage CR's Overall Mileage CR's overall mileage is a composite of measured fuel usage on a prescribed city course and highway cruising; and CR's 150-mile test trip of mixed driving, if tested. In recent road tests, we've discontinued the 150-mile trip test.
CR's City Mileage CR's City Mileage Measured fuel usage on a prescribed city course.
CR's Highway Mileage CR's Highway Mileage Measured fuel usage on a prescribed highway cruising.
Annual Fuel Cost Annual Fuel Cost The cost and amount of fuel used in 12,000 miles and is calculated from CR's overall mileage.
Braking Braking The braking rating is a composite of wet and dry stopping distances and pedal feel. Braking distance is from 60 mph, with no wheels locked.
Emergency Handling Emergency Handling Several factors go into the rating, including the avoidance maneuver speed and confidence, as well as how the vehicle behaves when pushed to its limit.
Comfort / Convenience
Ride Ride Our expert judgment of how well the suspension isolates and absorbs road imperfections and how steady it keeps the body on various road surfaces.
Noise Noise Our expert judgment of the vehicle's interior noise level in everyday driving.
Front Seat Comfort Front Seat Comfort Our judgment of how comfortable the front seat is for drivers of various heights.
Rear Seat Comfort Rear Seat Comfort Our judgment of how comfortable the rear seat is for two passengers to sit across.
Interior Fit and Finish Interior Fit and Finish An expert evaluation of the interior quality and craftsmanship.
Trunk/Cargo Area Trunk/Cargo Area Our rating is based on the amount of luggage or cargo space that a vehicle has in the trunk or cargo area.
Emissions
Greenhouse Gas Greenhouse Gas The Greenhouse Gas Rating represents the amount of carbon dioxide the vehicle emits compared to other vehicles of the same model year. This score from the EPA ranges from 1 (worst) to 10 (best).
NA
Smog Rating Smog Rating The Smog Rating represents the amount of health-damaging and smog-forming airborne pollutants the vehicle emits compared to other vehicles of the same model year. This score from the EPA ranges from 1 (worst) to 10 (best).
NA

Owner Reports

Worse Better
Reliability History Reliability History The reliability charts are based on responses on hundreds of thousands of vehicles from our latest Annual Auto Survey. Consumer Reports subscribers reported on any serious problems they had with their vehicles during the past 12 months that they considered serious because of cost, failure, safety, or downtime, in any of the trouble spots included in the table below. The results are presented relative to the average model that year. Extra weight is given to the more serious areas such as major engine or transmission problems. Based on this data and further analysis, we predict reliability for the latest year. N/A indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
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Reliability Trouble Spots
Engine Major Engine Major Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbo or supercharger, timing chain or timing belt.
NA
Engine Minor Engine Minor Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, oil leaks.
NA
Engine Cooling Engine Cooling Radiator, cooling fan, antifreeze leaks, water pump, thermostat, overheating.
NA
Transmission Major Transmission Major Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, clutch replacement.
NA
Transmission Minor Transmission Minor Gear selector or linkage, leaks, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission.
NA
Drive System Drive System Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, 4WD/AWD components, driveline vibration, traction control, electronic stability control (ESC), electrical failure.
NA
View all Reliability
Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction To learn about satisfaction, CR has collected survey data from our annual survey on more than half a million vehicles. Our subscribers provide great insights into their satisfaction by answering one simple question: If they had it to do all over again, would they definitely buy or lease the same model? In addition, respondents also rate their cars in six categories: driving experience, comfort, value, styling, audio, and climate systems. N/A indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
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Driving Experience Driving Experience Includes acceleration and handling
Comfort Comfort Includes seats, climate control, noise, and ride
Value Value Did you get what you wanted relative to the price you paid?
Styling Styling How it looks inside and out
View all Owner Satisfaction
Safety Equipment
ABS available, standard from 2006. Side air bags available from 2001, standard from 2006. Head protection air bags standard from 2006. ESC available from 2007, standard from 2012. Forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking available from 2016.
Road Test

The Honda Civic is back -- recapturing its position as a mature, substantial compact car with enough elegant touches that it makes you feel like you spent more money than you had to.

The base 2.0-liter engine is smooth, with reasonable oomph, provided you're not in a real hurry. The Civic is fitted with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that optimizes acceleration and fuel economy but tends to amplify the engine noise. If you prefer to shift yourself, a six-speed manual is available on select trim lines and is the only choice for the sporty Si version.

Seating
2 front, 3 rear
Drive Wheels
Front
Warranty
Coverage varies among versions of this vehicle

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties
Body Styles
4-door hatchback
coupe
sedan
Transmissions Available
  • CVT
  • 6-speed Manual
Engines Available
  • 1.5-liter 4 turbo (205 hp)
  • 1.5-liter 4 turbo (174 hp)
  • 1.5-liter 4 turbo (180 hp)
  • 2-liter 4 turbo (306 hp)
  • 2-liter 4 (158 hp)

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2019 Honda Civic owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

In-car Electronics

CD or DVD players, radio, speakers, GPS, communication system (e.g., OnStar), display screen freezes or goes blank, phone pairing (e.g. Bluetooth), voice control commands, steering wheel controls, portable music device interface (e.g., iPod/MP3 player), backup or other camera/sensors.

What Owners Say

Display screen goes blank

"Rearview camera sometimes displays only a black screen when the car is started. Big problem considering the lack of rear visibility. The rearview image does come on after a few minutes."

Anonymous, QC (2019 Honda Civic LX 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
External music device interface (e.g., smart phone, MP3 player)

"When my gf attempted to connect her samsung phone with the car system to use waze or another navigation app on her phone it would not allow connectivity. In addition when my son's iphone would appear as connected to her bluetooth however he and his phone were not in the vicinity. Note he would be connected to his beats bluetooth or jbl wireless speaker when this occuured."

Anonymous, (2019 Honda Civic Unsure Unsure)

"iPod does not function properly when connected via USB cable. Cannot play specific artists or albums. No fix is available for this issue. The problem has existed since car was new."

Anonymous, (2019 Honda Civic EX 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

"Car lacks a CD player so CD music and stories had to be moved to flash drive, AND car does not recognize the existence of the flash drive unless it is unplugged before turning on the car and then plugged in--a real pain. Although car is comfortable, I do not plan to buy this model again. If I can get the money together, I will sell this and by a different car before this one is even a year old."

Anonymous, MD (2019 Honda Civic)
In-dash navigation system (GPS)

"Does not respond correctly to spoken inputs or commands plus is seriously out of date as far as locating designated addresses"

Sharon F., KS (2019 Honda Civic Touring 1.5-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Software update fixes

"Some warning light icons on dash gave false read-outs, but the problem was fixed at the dealership"

Anonymous, CA (2019 Honda Civic EX Unsure)
Voice control commands

"does not respond correct; to spoken inputs or commands"

Sharon F., KS (2019 Honda Civic Touring 1.5-L 4 Cyl turbo)
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Electric System

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery and related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, distributor or rotor failure, spark plugs and wires failure.

What Owners Say

Alarm or security system (excluding aftermarket systems)

"Shortly after purchase the alarm system disabled ability to start car and it had to be towed back to dealership. They replaced unit at no cost, but was a major aggravation. Seems okay now, but car still very new."

Anonymous, CA (2019 Honda Civic EX 1.5-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"System often beeps incessantly when I exit the driver's door, then access the trunk. The system wrongly signally that the key fob was left in the car - probably in the trunk."

Anonymous, BC (2019 Honda Civic Touring 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Exterior lights (other than headlights)

"Driver side LED taillight out (not brake light) smaller section on the hatch lift gate only"

Adam D., MI (2019 Honda Civic Touring 1.5-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Keyless entry

"Keyfob is extremely sensitive and prone to accidentally unlock the doors and roll down all the windows."

Anonymous, QC (2019 Honda Civic LX 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
Wiper motor or washer

"Rain sensing wiper system doesn't always work and sometimes has a mind of its own. Sometimes won't clear excessive water and other times runs when when its not raining."

Anonymous, FL (2019 Honda Civic Touring 1.5-L 4 Cyl turbo)
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Body Integrity

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, loose or cracked seals and/or weather-stripping, air and water leaks.

What Owners Say

Squeaks or rattles

"Whirring noise when clutch depressed at 5-6k rpm. Allegedly due to loose clutch line, though replacing clutch master cylinder has worked for others. Have taken to dealer but they did not fix issue yet."

Anonymous, CT (2019 Honda Civic Type R 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"Annoying rattle appears to emanate from the Honda Sense module located behind the rear-view mirror. Every once in a while the dash board tends to squeak or rattle as well, depending on speed and road conditions. I haven't been able to locate the exact spot but it seems to be where the dash meets the front windshield. If I apply pressure to the dash, it goes away. Small things, but still very annoying when driving with the radio off."

Mike K., AZ (2019 Honda Civic Sport 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
Wind noise

"During freeway driving, wind noise is loud enough that I double check that the windows are all up."

Anonymous, CA (2019 Honda Civic LX 1.5-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Brakes

Antilock system (ABS), parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, rotors, pulsation or vibration, squeaking, brake failure or wear.

What Owners Say

Pulsation or vibration

"Pulsation and vibration caused by the bend rotors."

Jose R., PR (2019 Honda Civic EX 1.5-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Rotors

"Rear rotors were with corrosion and bend, replaced in warranty."

Jose R., PR (2019 Honda Civic EX 1.5-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Squeaking

"Started fairly new into the ownership. When I apply the foot brakes I hear a squealing / grinding noise on the rear passenger side of the car. I have had my winter tires taken off and winter put on and vice versa. I have followed the maintainace schedule and even had a brake service, yet the noise still continues."

Anonymous, AB (2019 Honda Civic EX 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling), loose interior and exterior trim or moldings, rust.

What Owners Say

Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling)

"Paint is easily damages and has cracked or scratched excessively compared to previous honda vehicles"

Anonymous, NS (2019 Honda Civic Si 1.5-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"Poor paint quality. Soft. Easily scratches and peels"

Anonymous, CA (2019 Honda Civic EX 1.5-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Climate System

Blower (fan) motor, A/C compressor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate control, refrigerant leakage, electrical failure.

What Owners Say

Refrigerant leaks

"I'm buying a Toyota next time. The vehicles are not as well made as they were before. For the cost the reliability is fading fast! I will try Toyota next. If I have same problem I might as well buy the lowest price car I can find on market."

Anonymous, (2019 Honda Civic LX 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

"About two weeks after purchasing the car, the A/C would only blow hot air. I took it in and was told that the car had arrived from the dealership low on Freon. I was told there were not leaks. About two weeks later, the same thing occurred, along with a grinding noise. I took it in and was told there was actually a leak. They kept the car overnight and fixed the issue. It has been fine since."

Anonymous, CA (2019 Honda Civic LX 1.5-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Power Equipment

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, remote engine start, alarm or security system

What Owners Say

Ignition switch

"at 1,000 km while away on a trip, car failed to start and had to be towed more than 100 km to a dealer, during rain and at night"

Anonymous, (2019 Honda Civic Touring 1.5-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, antifreeze leaks, water pump, thermostat, overheating.

What Owners Say

Overheating

"The engine began overheating due to a coolant hose that was rubbing on the belt tensioner. It eroded the hose, causing a coolant leak, resulting in overheating. It was either an installation failure or a design failure. It was under warranty and fixed, but it happened in Wisconsin in the winter, and was both a very significant inconvenience and a very real danger due to loss of climate control in decidedly frigid temperatures."

Anonymous, WI (2019 Honda Civic Touring 1.5-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Transmission Minor

Gear selector or linkage, leaks, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission.

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbo or supercharger, timing chain or timing belt.

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, oil leaks.

Body Hardware

Power or manual windows, locks and latches, tailgate, hatch or trunk, doors or sliding doors, mirrors, seat controls, safety belts, sunroof, convertible top.

Fuel System

Check engine light, sensors (includes O2 or oxygen sensor), emission control devices (includes EGR), engine computer, engine computer, fuel cap, fuel gauge/sender, fuel injection system, fuel pump, fuel leaks, stalling or hesitation.

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, leaks.

Suspension

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, 4WD/AWD components, driveline vibration, traction control, electronic stability control (ESC), electrical failure.

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